December 8th Run

Today's Run

It was a truly idyllic morning to run, and I'm sure that the large numbers of people who turned out would echo that sentiment.  We had 15 runners today, including Jon Hughes who is celebrating a birthday.  The "Fasties" who meet at Morse Blvd also had 15 runners.  This I know because they all passed me on Webster.  The town seemed to be awash of runners!

 

OUC Half Marathon

The race drew 3344 competitors yesterday.  Seven of them were from our Sunday group.  John Lowndes turned in the fastest pace with a sub 1:55 and Ben also broke two hours.  Abby and Cheryl ran in the 20's age categories.  Kirsty and Eamonn competed in the age 50-55 group and I ran in the age 75 group. .  With only two people running in my group, I couldn't lose and placed second behind a 75 year old from Clermont.  (Getting old has its advantages!)

 

Bob called from VT to observe that I was the oldest person in the race.  (A dubious distinction)  By the way, Bob should be back from Vermont about a month from now.

 

As an aside, I have completed this race 18 times now and the results provide a great view of the aging process. My times have gone from a 1:44 PR at age 60 to a 3:16 at age 79. Two points: (1) We do slow down as we age and (2) We still can run if we train well.  Over the years I have seen many good runners crash and burn for lack of realistic training habits and goals.

 

ORC Party

Last evening the ORC honored the Japanese runners visiting here under an exchange program between the ORC and the Urayasu running club. The party was at Seth's house and had a nice turnout.  In honor of our visitors, I chose a Japanese proverb as the thought for the week:

 

"Vision without action is a daydream.  Action without vision is a nightmare."

 

So ends this rather philosophic rendition!  Have a great week.

 

Jack